The Boys: 8 Potential Death Scenarios for Homelander

Critical Insights on Season 5 of The Boys

Billy Butcher is poised for a final showdown with Homelander, making Season 5 pivotal in their ongoing rivalry.
Ryan, the son of Homelander, might emerge as a crucial player in the fight against his father’s tyranny, embodying a more virtuous perspective.
A clandestine virus targeting supers who have been exposed to Compound V, coupled with the possibility of a Homelander clone, adds intrigue to the potential methods of defeating him.

The Endgame of Billy Butcher

From the inception of The Boys, Billy Butcher has been driven by a singular mission: to eliminate Homelander, the tyrannical and supremely potent superhero who has wreaked havoc. As we enter the final season, the stakes have never been higher. The narrative will culminate in a decisive confrontation that raises the question: how can Butcher, or anyone for that matter, hope to vanquish a being of Homelander’s power?

Anticipating the Confrontation

Season 5 promises to deliver the ultimate clash between Butcher and Homelander, a fight that will reshape their world. The consequences could be dire—either Butcher or Homelander must fall for peace to be restored. Cunning strategies and surprising twists may dictate the ending of this intense rivalry.

Potential spoilers ahead for The Boys Updated November 5, 2024 by Jake Fillery: As the series approaches its climax, a resolution to Homelander’s reign is inevitable, especially following his ascension to the presidency. This new power dynamic complicates the efforts to take him down, but with their usual ingenuity, the characters still have a range of tactics that could succeed.

Strategies for Defeating Homelander

1. Poisoning His Beloved Milk

Homelander enjoys a glass of milk — Homelander’s weakness: his love for milk.

One of Homelander’s well-hidden weaknesses lies in his fondness for fresh milk. By compromising his milk supply, particularly his favorite from Firecracker, Butcher may devise a plan to poison him without suspicion. Such a strategy could serve as a potent form of kryptonite, incapacitating Homelander from within.

2. Butcher’s Newfound Abilities

Butcher showcases his new powers — Butcher’s transformation into a formidable force.

Billy Butcher has embraced his darker side more than ever, revealing a profound shift in his character. With his new abilities, including tentacles capable of devastating destruction, Butcher’s approach may evolve into a violent face-off with Homelander, emphasizing a personal quest for vengeance.

3. The Potential for a Heroic Uprising

Soldier Boy and Homelander in The Boys — The possibility of a united front against Homelander.

While many superheroes in The Boys are often self-serving, the potential for a united revolt could change the game. If they band together rather than focusing on their public personas, superheroes like Queen Maeve, Starlight, and Soldier Boy might stand a chance against Homelander’s oppressive regime.

4. Ryan’s Stand Against His Father

Ryan Butcher in The Boys Season 3 — The potential heroism of Ryan Butcher.

Homelander’s son, Ryan, although inheriting his father’s abilities, has been raised with a fundamentally different moral compass. His understanding of responsibility could position him as a pivotal character. If Ryan chooses to defy his father’s cruel legacy, he could represent the hope of a new generation—one capable of stopping Homelander once and for all.

5. The Threat of a Super Virus

Gen-V Victoria Neuman — The stealthy bio-weapon targeting supers.

A newly discovered virus that exclusively targets those with Compound V could shift the balance of power dramatically. With the potential to incapacitate or eliminate Homelander, this biological threat poses an invaluable weapon in Butcher’s arsenal. However, its application remains uncertain.

6. A Possible Clone?

Billy Butcher, Homelander, and Black Noir — Could a clone become a contingency plan against Homelander?

In the comics, Homelander meets his end at the hands of his own clone. While the series may diverge from this plotline, the concept of a clone, especially one designed to eliminate him as a fail-safe, remains tantalizing. Vought’s shadowy practices might indeed lead to a backup plan against their most powerful asset.

7. Targeting Vulnerabilities

Sister Sage Embraced by Homelander — Exploring Homelander’s vulnerabilities.

Despite his extraordinary strength, Homelander has demonstrated vulnerabilities, such as being injured in his ear—a potential weakness. By exploiting this flaw, even those considered weaker could access a point of entry to incapacitate him, revealing that his resilience may not cover all bases.

8. The Despair of Homelander

The back of Homelander's head — The fragility of Homelander’s psyche.

At his core, Homelander is fragile, craving validation to the point of vulnerability. The mounting pressures of leadership and isolation could push him toward a tragic path. A scenario where he succumbs to despair, possibly taking his own life, wouldn’t be out of character, potentially bringing his story arc to an unexpected close.